Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel and Residences

The impressive Milestone hotel is at the palace end of Kensington and has all the necessary credentials for a traditional afternoon tea experience. They do Victorian grandeur well here from the historic exterior to the top-hatted doorman, and while their original royal neighbour may - or may not - have been amused, she would surely have enjoyed the food.

Once inside, the Park Lounge is a well-proportioned drawing room with a Hogwarts-worthy stone fireplace and mullioned windows offering a view of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens beyond. The space is small enough to feel cosy while the well-spaced tables comfortably allow for the sharing of confidences. Settle in, preferably on one of the plush sofas or armchairs, and get ready for the only difficult decision of the day.

Several tempting Champagne options are available but the basic upgrade includes a glass of Lanson Le Black label that is so well priced it would be rude not to if this is your thing. Luckily though, tea is included in all Champagne packages so do make the most of the friendly and attentive staff who will offer a switch of teas as the mood takes you. The single estate Inverness is a good all-rounder while the Planters’ Mistress is a refreshing and fragrant choice.

The menu from here on in is everything you could hope for, an array of finger sandwiches including a signature chicken mayonnaise and almond creation that is tricky to eat but so delicious you won’t care. Afterwards, or as soon as politely possible, turn your attention to freshly baked scones and a glossy array of moreish goodies that includes a pistachio and raspberry choux bun and caramel and yuzu mousse. The baked vanilla cheesecake with caramelised apple is a particular highlight.

With menus starting at £85 it’s about right for the area. Besides, proper afternoon tea is an indulgent treat and this delivers on all levels. Book a portrait with resident artist Shelley Levy to mark a special occasion or head to the newly refurbished Stables bar to recover afterwards.

Afternoon tea at The Milestone hotel is a quintessentially British affair and upheld in its finest form. Served in the elegant Park Lounge, guests are invited to step off the streets of Kensington and into the cosy surrounds of this beautiful, Grade-II listed property for the afternoon. A range of afternoon tea menus are served here, from a traditional offering to its Royal selection inspired by the hotel’s location opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens.  

Relax in the luxurious surrounds of the Park Lounge, a warm and cosy retreat with an open fireplace and sumptuous armchairs and sofas. With its traditional décor, antique books and wood-panelled walls, this room boasts the feel of a private drawing room.  

For those who select the traditional afternoon tea, guests are treated to a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, hand-crafted French pastries, tartlets and cakes. Start with classic savouries, from egg and cress on spinach bread to cucumber and cream cheese on soft white bread. Homemade scones are served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, while signature patisseries include the likes of a coffee and cardamom macaron, a peach and basil choux bun and rosemary and plum olive oil cake. A vast selection of loose-leaf teas is available to peruse and pick at your leisure. While the Royal tea includes half a bottle of Champagne for an extra special experience.  

The Milestone also offers a children’s menu so little ones can enjoy this elegant affair, and there are allergen-friendly menus available too, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal and nut-free offerings. However, it is unable to cater for allergies that require both gluten-free and dairy-free options.